Developing box

Abstract

The utility model discloses a developing box which comprises a box body used for storing a developing agent; the storage medium is arranged in the box body and used for storing information of the developing box, the storage medium comprises an electric contact surface which is electrically connected with the storage medium, and the electric contact surface faces up and down; the covering part is arranged on the box body; in the vertical direction, the covering part is located below the electric contact surface and at least covers the electric contact surface part. The covering part covers the electric contact surface of the storage medium, when the electric contact pins are electrically connected, the electric contact pins can directly or indirectly abut against the electric contact surface, and the covering part can still shield the electric contact surface, so that the electric contact surface can be directly or indirectly contacted with the electric contact surface when the developing box is located outside the image forming device or the electric contact surface is electrically connected. And the covering part can ensure that the electric contact surface is shielded, so that the electric contact surface is prevented from being polluted by external dust or stickers, and stable electric connection of the electric contact pin is ensured.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to electronic imaging technical field, concretely relates to a developing box. BACKGROUND

[0002] The developing box is a detachable part widely used in the image forming device. The developing agent is stored in the developing box. When the developing box works in the image forming device, the developing agent is delivered to the photosensitive drum in the image forming device, and the image forming device develops the image on the sheet. The storage medium is arranged on the developing box. The information of the developing box is stored in the storage medium. The electric contact surface electrically connected with the storage medium is also arranged. The electric contact surface contacts the electric contact pin in the image forming device. The electric contact pin contacts the electric contact surface to read the information in the storage medium, so as to identify the developing box.

[0003] At present, in order to facilitate the electric contact pin to contact the electric contact surface quickly, the electric contact surface on the storage medium of the developing box on the market is directly exposed outside. When the developing box is located outside the image forming device, the electric contact surface is easily polluted by dust or sticky substances, so that the developing box cannot be stably electrically connected with the electric contact pin when it is in the image forming device, and even the information of the developing box cannot be accurately identified. SUMMARY

[0004] The developing box of the utility model can effectively solve the problem that the storage medium of the existing developing box is easily polluted by the outside world and affects information identification.

[0005] According to one aspect of the utility model, a developing box is provided, which comprises:

[0006] A developing box comprises:

[0007] A box body is used for storing a developing agent.

[0008] A storage medium is arranged on the box body and is used for storing information of the developing box. The storage medium has an electric contact surface. The electric contact surface is oriented in an up-down direction.

[0009] A cover is arranged on the box body.

[0010] In the up-down direction, the cover is located below the electric contact surface and covers at least part of the electric contact surface.

[0011] In some embodiments, the developing box is installed on a drum assembly. The drum assembly has an opening. When the developing box is installed on the drum assembly, the cover prevents the electric contact surface from being exposed through the opening.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cover is integrally formed with the box body by means of secondary injection molding.

[0013] In some embodiments, the cover is made of a conductive material and is electrically connected to the electrical contact surface.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cover includes a flexible element that extends in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0015] In some embodiments, the flexible elements are multiple and combined to form a curtain-like structure, and the multiple flexible elements can avoid or elastically deform.

[0016] In some embodiments, the flexible element is strip-shaped, and the extension direction of the flexible element is the same as the extension direction of the electrical contact surface.

[0017] In some embodiments, the cover is constructed as a thin film or gauze structure, the cover having retractable and expandable perforations that extend through the cover in the vertical direction.

[0018] In some embodiments, the cover is configured as multiple segments with gaps between them, and the segments contact each other to cover the gaps.

[0019] In some embodiments, the cover includes a plurality of rods arranged adjacent to each other to cover the electrical contact surface, the rods extending in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the rods being slidable relative to the housing.

[0020] In some embodiments, the developing cartridge is mounted within an image forming apparatus including an electrical contact pin electrically connected to the electrical contact surface, the electrical contact pin contacting the cover and extending beyond the cover to contact the electrical contact surface.

[0021] In some embodiments, the cover is movably disposed on the housing, and the electrical contact abuts against the cover so that the cover moves to avoid the electrical contact.

[0022] In some embodiments, the electrical contact surface faces the cover.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the developing cartridge of this utility model has the following advantages:

[0024] This application provides a cover over the electrical contact surface of the storage medium. When the electrical contacts are electrically connected, the electrical contacts can directly or indirectly abut against the electrical contact surface, and the cover can still shield the electrical contact surface. Therefore, whether the developing cartridge is located outside the image forming apparatus or the electrical contact surface is in electrical connection, the cover can ensure that the electrical contact surface is shielded, preventing contamination from external dust or adhesives, ensuring stable electrical connection of the electrical contacts, and the cover does not affect the normal operation of the storage medium, which is beneficial to the normal operation of the developing cartridge. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the developing cartridge in Example 1;

[0026] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the developing cartridge in Example 1;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in Embodiment 1 where the first end conceals the first protective cover;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the identification component in Embodiment 1;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the drum assembly in Embodiment 1;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in Example 1 where the developing cartridge is installed on the drum assembly;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in which the electrical contact pin contacts the electrical contact surface in Example 1;

[0032] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the cover and storage medium in Embodiment 2;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in which the electrical contact pin contacts the electrical contact surface in Example 3;

[0034] Figure 10 for Figure 9 Enlarged view of section A.

[0035] In the diagram: 1-Developer cartridge, 10-Cartridge body, 11-First end, 111-First cover, 12-Second end, 121-Second cover, 122-Electrode, 13-Third end, 131-Developer roller, 14-Fourth end, 141-Handle, 15-Fifth end, 16-Sixth end, 31-Rotating component, 32-Transmission component, 33-Item under test, 40-Drive unit, 41-Developer gear, 42-Powder feeding gear, 43-Idler wheel, 44-Stirring gear, 51-Support, 532-Contact part, 52-Storage medium, 521-Electrical contact surface, 53-Cover, 531-Flexible component, 2-Drum assembly, 21-Photosensitive drum, 22-Frame, 23-Opening, 91-Electrical contact pin, 53a-Slider, 51a-Groove, 53b-Abutting slope, 61-First elastic component, 62-Second elastic component. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0037] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0038] like Figure 1 , Figure 5 As shown, this utility model relates to a developing cartridge and a drum assembly 2. The developing cartridge 1 is detachably installed in the drum assembly 2. In some embodiments, the developing cartridge 1 and the drum assembly 2 may also be an integrated cartridge. The developing cartridge 1 can cooperate with the drum assembly 2 to complete the developing operation in the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes, for example, an electrophotographic copier, an electrophotographic printer (LED printer, laser printer, etc.), and an electrophotographic printer-type fax machine, etc.

[0039] The drum assembly 2 includes a photosensitive frame 22, a photosensitive drum 21, and a charging roller (not shown). The photosensitive frame 22 has an open structure, and the photosensitive drum 21 is rotatably mounted on the photosensitive frame 22. A photosensitive gear is coaxially provided at the shaft end of the photosensitive drum 21 to receive power from the image forming apparatus to rotate the photosensitive drum 21. The charging roller abuts against the photosensitive drum 21 to receive power from the image forming apparatus to charge the photosensitive drum 21, so that the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is covered with a uniform charge.

[0040] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] Figure 1 The figure schematically illustrates a developing cartridge 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, for ease of description, the length direction of the developing cartridge 1 is taken as the left-right direction, the first direction includes the left-right direction, the width direction of the developing cartridge 1 is taken as the front-back direction, the second direction includes the front-back direction, the height direction of the developing cartridge 1 is taken as the up-down direction, and the third direction includes the up-down direction. The three directions are orthogonal to each other. The developing cartridge 1 includes a cartridge body 10, a developing component, a transmission component, a detection component, and an identification component.

[0043] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the housing 10 stores developer, such as toner. The housing 10 has a first end 11 (right side) and a second end 12 (left side) opposite to each other in a first direction. The housing 10 also has a third end 13 (front side) and a fourth end 14 (rear side) opposite to each other in a second direction. Furthermore, the housing 10 has a fifth end 15 (upper side) and a sixth end 16 (lower side) opposite to each other in a third direction. The housing 10 has a handle 141 for user hand operation, located at the fourth end 14. The housing 10 also has a first cover 111 and a second cover 121. The first cover 111 is detachably fixed to the first end 11, covering at least a portion of the transmission assembly, and is used to protect the transmission assembly. The second cover 121 is detachably fixed to the second end 12, covering at least a portion of the component being tested, and is used to protect the component being tested.

[0044] The developing assembly includes a developing roller 131, a stirring frame (not shown), and a powder feeding roller (not shown). The developing roller 131, the stirring frame, and the powder feeding roller are all rotatably supported by a first end 11 and a second end 12. The rotation axes of the developing roller 131, the stirring frame, and the powder feeding roller all extend along a first direction. The developing roller 131 can abut against the photosensitive drum 21. The powder feeding roller is arranged adjacent to the developing roller 131 and delivers developer to the developing roller 131. The stirring frame is used to stir the developer in the cartridge 10, causing friction in the developer and preventing the developer from clumping.

[0045] like Figure 3As shown, the transmission assembly is located at the first end 11 and is used to receive the power output from the image forming apparatus, driving the developing component and the detected component in the developing cartridge 1. The transmission assembly includes a drive unit 40, a developing gear 41, a powder feeding gear 42, an idler gear 43, and a stirring gear 44. The drive unit 40 is rotatably mounted on the first end 11, and the rotation axis of the drive unit 40 extends along a first direction. The drive unit 40 includes a coaxially integrally formed drive gear and a power receiving unit. The power receiving unit is used to connect with the power output shaft on the image forming apparatus to receive the power output from the image forming apparatus. The drive gear is used to transmit power to the other gears in the transmission assembly and cause the other gears to rotate. The developing gear 41 is coaxially fixedly mounted on the right side of the developing roller 131 and drives the developing roller 131 to rotate. The powder feeding gear 42 is coaxially fixedly mounted on the right side of the powder feeding roller and drives the powder feeding roller to rotate. The stirring gear 44 is coaxially fixedly mounted on the right side of the stirring frame and drives the stirring frame to rotate. The idler gear 43 is rotatably mounted on the first end 11 and can rotate with the other gears. The idler gear 43 has an integrally formed large-diameter gear and a small-diameter gear. This embodiment does not limit the number of gears or their meshing relationship, and can be set according to actual needs. The drive gear of the drive unit 40 meshes with the large-diameter gears of the developing gear 41, the powder feeding gear 42, and the idler gear 43. The small-diameter gear of the idler gear 43 meshes with the stirring gear 44. When the drive unit 40 receives power from the image forming apparatus and rotates, it drives the developing roller 131, the powder feeding roller, and the idler gear 43 to rotate. The idler gear 43 drives the stirring frame to rotate.

[0046] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the component to be tested includes a rotating member 31, a transmission member 32, and a component to be tested 33. The rotating member 31 is rotatably disposed at the first end 11 and can receive power transmitted by the transmission member to rotate. The transmission member 32 is preferably a transmission rod extending in the first direction. One end of the transmission member 32 in the first direction contacts the rotating member 31, and the transmission member 32 is driven by the rotating member 31 to move relative to the housing 10 in the first direction. The component to be tested 33 is located at the second end 12, and the other end of the transmission member 32 in the first direction is rotatably connected to the component to be tested 33. When the transmission member 32 moves in the first direction, it drives the component to be tested 33 to move relative to the housing 10, thereby triggering a detection element within the image forming apparatus. The rotating member 31 is provided with a meshing part. Preferably, a stirring gear 44 meshes with the meshing part on the rotating member 31 to receive power and rotate. When the component to be tested no longer triggers the detection element, the rotating member 31 disengages from the stirring gear 44 and stops rotating.

[0047] like Figure 1As shown, the developing cartridge 1 also includes an electrode 122 located at the second end 12. The electrode 122 is used to receive electrical energy output from the image forming apparatus. The electrode 122 is electrically connected to the developing roller 131 and the powder feeding roller to transfer electrical energy to them. The electrode 122 can also be electrically connected to one of the developing roller 131 and the powder feeding roller. In this embodiment, the electrode 122 is preferably a conductive steel sheet. Therefore, when the charged developing roller 131 and the photosensitive drum 21 come into contact and rotate relative to each other, an electrostatic latent image is formed through the developer.

[0048] like Figure 7 As shown, the identification component includes a bracket 51 and a storage medium 52. In this embodiment, the bracket 51 is preferably located at the sixth end 16, that is, on the lower side of the housing 10 in the third direction. In some embodiments, the bracket 51 may be located on the first cover 111 or may be composed of the housing 10 and the first cover 111. The bracket 51 is used to support the storage medium 52. The storage medium 52 stores information of the developing cartridge 1. The storage medium 52 also includes an electrical contact surface 521 electrically connected to it. The electrical contact surface 521 extends in the second direction and faces the third direction, that is, the normal of the electrical contact surface 521 is parallel to the third direction. Multiple electrical contact surfaces 521 are provided and spaced apart from each other. The multiple electrical contact surfaces 521 are arranged in the first direction. The electrical contact surface 521 may be integrally formed on the storage medium 52 or may be separately electrically connected to the storage medium 52. The image forming apparatus has an electrical contact pin 91. When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum assembly 2 and both are mounted together in the image forming apparatus, the electrical contact surface 521 contacts the electrical contact pin 91 so that the image forming apparatus can read the information in the storage medium 52 and thus identify the developing cartridge 1.

[0049] like Figure 5 As shown, the bottom of the photosensitive frame 22 is provided with an opening 23. When the developing cartridge 1 is installed on the drum assembly 2, the storage medium 52 is located inside the opening 23, that is, the storage medium 52 is exposed to the outside through the opening 23. The electrical contact pin 91 can make contact with the electrical contact surface 521 through the opening 23 to identify the developing cartridge 1.

[0050] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6As shown, to address the issue that the storage medium 52 of the developing cartridge 1 is easily contaminated by external factors, affecting information recognition, in this embodiment, the developing cartridge 1 further includes a cover 53. The cover 53 is disposed on the cartridge body 10. Preferably, the cover 53 is disposed on the support 51 and can be connected to the support 51 or the cartridge body 10 by means of adhesive or welding. The cover 53 is disposed adjacent to the storage medium 52. In the third direction, the cover 53 is located below the electrical contact surface 521, and the electrical contact surface 521 faces the cover 53. The cover 53 at least covers a portion of the electrical contact surface 521. Therefore, the electrical contact surface 521 is not exposed through the opening 23 to prevent the developing cartridge 1 from being contaminated by dust or adhesives when it is not installed in the image forming apparatus. When the developing cartridge 1 is installed into the drum assembly 2, and both are installed into the image forming apparatus, the cover 53 does not affect the contact between the electrical contact surface 521 and the electrical contact pin 91 so that the image forming apparatus can read the information in the storage medium 52. When the electrical contact pin 91 and the electrical contact surface 521 are in direct or indirect contact (electrical connection), the cover 53 can still block at least part of the electrical contact surface 521. Therefore, the cover 53 can protect the electrical contact surface 521 whether the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the image forming apparatus or not.

[0051] The cover 53 is partially or fully movable on the bracket 51. The cover 53 includes multiple strip-shaped flexible members 531 (refer to a door curtain). The flexible members 531 are closely arranged adjacent to each other and have a certain elastic deformation capability or elastic avoidance capability. In the third direction, the projected area formed by the arrangement of multiple flexible members 531 (i.e., the projected area of ​​the cover 53) is not less than the projected area of ​​the electrical contact surface 521. The projection of the cover 53 coincides with the projection of the electrical contact surface 521. The multiple flexible members 531 are arranged along the electrical contact surface 521. The electrical contact surface 521 has multiple members arranged along the first direction and extends along the second direction. Correspondingly, the multiple flexible members 531 are arranged along the first direction and extend along the second direction so as to correspond with the electrical contact surface 521. This allows the cover 53 to completely cover the electrical contact surface 521 to prevent the electrical contact surface 521 from being exposed. Of course, the extension direction and arrangement direction of the flexible members 531 can be interchanged. Utilizing the deformable nature of the flexible element 531, when the electrical probe 91 approaches the cover 53, the flexible element 531 can be driven to deform along the first direction, allowing it to avoid or be easily deflected, enabling the electrical probe 91 to easily pass through the cover 53 and contact the electrical contact surface 521, thereby reading information from the storage medium 52 and allowing the image forming apparatus to identify the developing cartridge 1. In one embodiment, multiple flexible elements 531 are arranged along a second direction, and the flexible elements 531 extend along the first direction.

[0052] When the electrical contact pin 91 comes into contact with the flexible member 531, the two adjacent flexible members 531 deform to create a gap, while the remaining flexible members 531 maintain their shape to block the electrical contact surface 521. The electrical contact pin 91 can then make electrical connection with the electrical contact surface 521 through this gap. Since the electrical contact pin 91 contacts the electrical contact surface 521 in a point-contact manner, the deformation of the flexible member 531 is not excessive. Therefore, when the image forming apparatus identifies the developing cartridge 1, the cover member 53 still provides good shielding protection. When the electrical contact pin 91 detaches from the cover member 53, the flexible member 531 will no longer be subjected to force deformation, causing the cover member 53 to return to its original position. That is, when the developing cartridge 1 is not installed, the cover member 53 provides normal shielding protection for the electrical contact surface 521.

[0053] Optionally, the flexible element 531 adopts a strip structure with an inverted "V" shaped cross-section. The opening 23 of the flexible element 531 faces upward (to one side of the electrical contact surface 521). Due to the elastic nature of the flexible element 531, the left and right sides of the flexible element 531 can abut against the adjacent flexible elements 531, which is conducive to the tight abutment of the flexible elements 531 to improve the shielding effect of the cover 53. In addition, the electrical contact needle 91 can pass through the inclined surface of the flexible element 531, which is conducive to improving the deformation effect of the flexible element 531 and can quickly open the gap between adjacent flexible elements 531.

[0054] In some embodiments, the cover 53 is constructed as a mesh, and the cover 53 has multiple holes through which the electrical contact needle 91 can pass and contact the electrical contact surface 521. The cover 53 still retains the ability to deform, so that when the electrical contact needle 91 comes into contact with the electrical contact surface 521, the cover 53 deforms along a third direction. Preferably, the cover 53 has multiple layers, and the multiple cover layers 53 are arranged along a third direction and are spaced and overlapped to fully cover the electrical contact surface 521.

[0055] In some embodiments, multiple covers 53 are provided, and multiple covers 53 are stacked on the electrical contact surface 521. For example, the covers 53 are constructed as strip-shaped flexible structures, and multiple covers 53 are stacked to form a brush or toothbrush structure. Unlike the above embodiments, in this embodiment, the covers 53 can be fixedly connected to the bracket 51 on one side, and the other side of the covers 53 is a free end. When the electrical contact needle 91 abuts against the covers 53, the covers 53 bends and deforms through the free end. The stack of multiple covers 53 can completely cover the electrical contact surface 521, and in the third direction, the projected area formed by the stack of multiple covers 53 is larger than the projected area of ​​the electrical contact surface 521, so as to fully cover the electrical contact surface 521.

[0056] In some embodiments, the cover 53 is constructed as a thin film or gauze structure. The cover 53 still has the ability to deform. The number of cover 53s can be set to multiple layers. The multiple cover 53s are arranged along a third direction. When in use, the electric contact needle 91 needs to break through the cover 53 so that the cover 53 forms a small hole or gap. The electric contact needle 91 contacts the electrical contact surface 521 through the elastically expanded small hole or gap, thereby reading the information in the storage medium 52, so that the image forming apparatus can identify the developing cartridge 1. In the above process, the cover 53 deforms along a third direction under the action of the electric contact needle 91. After the electric contact needle 91 is separated from the cover 53, the small hole gradually contracts elastically. Finally, the cover 53 can still maintain a complete and fully covered projection area to shield and protect the electrical contact surface 521. Alternatively, the entire cover 53 can be divided into multiple segments by a sharp tool, with gaps between the segments. When not subjected to external force (electrical contact pin 91 abutting), the segments contact each other to cover the gaps. The electrical contact pin 91 can pass through the gaps between the segments to cross the cover 53. After the electrical contact pin 91 exits the gap, the segments contact each other again and cover the gaps by relying on elastic restoring force or mutual compression.

[0057] Example 2

[0058] This embodiment is largely the same as the first embodiment in terms of structure. The difference is that the structure of the cover 53 is different. The cover 53 in this embodiment does not use elastic deformation, but it can still shield and protect the electrical contact surface 521.

[0059] like Figure 8 As shown, the cover 53 is integrally formed on the bracket 51, which is disposed on the box 10. The bracket 51 is made of conductive material, and the rest of the box 10 can be made of conductive or insulating material. The bracket 51 is integrally formed with the rest of the box 10 through secondary injection molding, and the storage medium 52 is detachably installed on the bracket 51. The cover 53 (or bracket 51) is electrically connected to the electrical contact surface 521. Specifically, the cover 53 (or bracket 51) has multiple spaced-apart contact portions 532. Similar to the electrical contact surface 521, the contact portions 532 are arranged along a first direction and extend along a second direction. The multiple contact portions 532 are correspondingly arranged with the multiple electrical contact surfaces 521. When the storage medium 52 is installed on the bracket 51, the multiple contact portions 532 and the multiple electrical contact surfaces 521 are connected in a one-to-one manner, so that the cover 53 has the function of shielding the electrical contact surface 521 and conducting electricity.

[0060] When the developing cartridge 1 is installed onto the drum assembly 2, the contact portion 532, which is integral with the cartridge body 10, is exposed through the opening 23 on the drum assembly 2. Simultaneously, the contact portion 532 shields the electrical contact surface 521 to prevent it from being exposed. When the developing cartridge 1 and drum assembly 2 are installed into the image forming apparatus, the electrical contact pin 91 contacts the contact portion 532, thereby indirectly contacting the electrical contact surface 521, allowing the image forming apparatus to read information from the storage medium 52. This embodiment can prevent the electrical contact surface 521 from being subjected to hard contact, which is beneficial for further protecting the storage medium 52. In comparison, the cover 53 has a lower cost, and even if the cover 53 is damaged, it will not damage the storage medium 52, which is beneficial for improving the service life of the storage medium 52 and reducing costs.

[0061] In some embodiments, only the cover 53 (or contact portion 532) is made of conductive material and is integrally formed with the box body 10 by secondary injection molding, while the bracket 51 and the box body 10 are made of insulating material.

[0062] In some embodiments, the cover 53 (or contact portion 532) is detachably mounted on the bracket 51, the bracket 51 being made of insulating material and the cover 53 being made of conductive material, so as to facilitate replacement of the cover 53 and to allow for timely replacement when the cover 53 is damaged without affecting the further use of the storage medium 52.

[0063] Example 3

[0064] This embodiment is largely the same as the first embodiment in terms of structure. The difference is that the structure of the cover 53 is different. In this embodiment, the cover 53 does not use elastic deformation, but adopts a movable structure so that the cover 53 avoids the electric contact pin 91, thereby shielding and protecting the electric contact surface 521.

[0065] Among them, such as Figure 9 , Figure 10As shown, the cover 53 is formed by multiple rods in close contact, arranged along a first direction. When no external force is applied, the rods abut adjacent to each other to form an integral cover surface, which can completely block the electrical contact surface 521. The cover 53 is movably mounted on the bracket 51. Specifically, the cover 53 has sliders 53a at both ends in a second direction, and the bracket 51 has a groove 51a. The cover 53 is movable by sliding the sliders 53a within the groove 51a. The bracket 51 also has elastic elements, preferably springs, of which two are used: a first elastic element 61 and a second elastic element 62. In the first direction, the first elastic element 61 and the second elastic element 62 are positioned opposite each other within the groove 51a. The first elastic element 61 and the second elastic element 62 abut against the end cover 53, ensuring that the multiple cover elements 53 remain in close contact. When the electrical contact 91 abuts against the cover 53, the contact 91 pushes the cover 53 to move along the first direction. At this time, the first elastic member 61 and the second elastic member 62 are compressed, creating a gap between the two covers 53 that abut against the contact 91. This allows the contact 91 to pass through the cover 53 and finally abut against the electrical contact surface 521, enabling the image forming apparatus to read information from the storage medium 52. When the contact 91 disengages from the cover 53, the cover 53 returns to its original position under the elastic force of the first elastic member 61 and the second elastic member 62, thus blocking the electrical contact surface 521.

[0066] Furthermore, the cover 53 has abutment slopes 53b on both sides (left and right sides) in the first direction. The abutment slopes 53b of two adjacent cover 53s can abut against each other to form an inverted "V" shaped abutment groove. When the electrical contact pin 91 abuts against the abutment slope 53b, it can push the cover 53 along the abutment groove, thereby causing the cover 53 to move along the first direction, which can further improve the smoothness of triggering the movement of the cover 53. Optionally, a soft contact layer, such as a rubber layer or a silicone layer, is provided on the abutment slope 53b to avoid hard contact between the electrical contact pin 91 and the abutment slope 53b, which would cause wear to the electrical contact pin 91.

[0067] In one embodiment, a plurality of rods are arranged along a second direction and extend along a first direction, the length of the rods in the first direction being not less than the total length of the plurality of electrical contact surfaces 521 in the first direction. When the electrical contact pin 91 abuts against the cover 53, the plurality of rods move in the second direction to avoid it. This structure can more easily facilitate the plurality of electrical contact pins 91 to cross the cover 53 and make contact with the electrical contact surfaces 521.

[0068] In this embodiment, the cover 53 can shield the electrical contact surface 521 whether the developing cartridge 1 is installed or not. The cover 53 can withstand external hard contact and can receive greater external pressure without damaging the electrical contact surface 521, thus improving the protective effect of the cover 53.

[0069] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. To simplify the description, not all possible combinations of the various technical features in the above embodiments have been described, and this is not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model without departing from the technical solution of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A developing cartridge, comprising: The container is used to store the developer; A storage medium is disposed in the housing for storing information of the developing cartridge. The storage medium has an electrical contact surface, the electrical contact surface being oriented vertically. A cover is provided on the box body; The feature is that, in the vertical direction, the cover is located below the electrical contact surface and the cover at least covers a portion of the electrical contact surface.

2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The developing cartridge is mounted on a drum assembly having an opening, and when the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum assembly, the cover prevents the electrical contact surface from being exposed through the opening.

3. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover is integrally formed with the box body through a secondary injection molding process.

4. The developing cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cover is made of a conductive material and is electrically connected to the electrical contact surface.

5. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover includes a flexible element, the extension direction of which is perpendicular to the vertical direction.

6. The developing cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that, The flexible element has multiple components that are combined to form a curtain shape, and the multiple flexible elements can avoid or elastically deform.

7. The developing cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that, The flexible element is strip-shaped, and its extension direction is the same as that of the electrical contact surface.

8. The developing cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cover is constructed as a thin film or gauze structure, and the cover has retractable and expandable small holes that penetrate the cover in the vertical direction.

9. The developing cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cover is constructed as multiple segments with gaps between them, and the segments contact each other to cover the gaps.

10. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover includes a plurality of rods, which are arranged adjacently and abutting each other to cover the electrical contact surface. The extension direction of the rods is perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the rods are slidable relative to the housing.

11. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that, The developing cartridge is installed within an image forming apparatus including an electrical contact pin, the electrical contact pin being electrically connected to the electrical contact surface, the electrical contact pin contacting the cover and passing over the cover to contact the electrical contact surface.

12. The developing cartridge according to claim 11, characterized in that, The cover is movably disposed on the housing, and the electrical contact pin abuts against the cover so that the cover moves to avoid the electrical contact pin.

13. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical contact surface faces the cover.

Images